For more than a hundred years we’ve favored emotional, response-type songs over songs that magnify the nature, attributes, and works of God. We need both,Our response to God is important. Emotional responses to God are important. The Psalmist certainly isn't shy about his feelings when he worships. And music itself is often an emotional medium of expression.
and more songs that help us do both at the same time.
But there is danger in these "response-type songs" as well. The danger lies in worshippers who rely on their feelings and responses to shape their understanding of Who God is. A god who is what we make him to be is no God at all. And so we run a risk when we magnify our feelings, rather than magnifying our God.
God seeks worshippers who will worship Him in spirit and truth. This is why we need songs that both magnify the truth of God's attributes and songs that convey our response to that truth.
Kaughlin appropriately calls pastors to take responsibility for the songs their congregations are singing, "leading them wisely into truth-based affections." Truth-based affections, rather than mere affections, glorify the True God while involving our God-given emotions.
4 comments:
Thanks for sharing that. I agree with you and believe there are "new" hymns out there that will be helpful in leading a new generation in worship! Go hymns!
By the way, 1:09 in the morning is a little late to be blogging - especially during statewide storms!
I know I'm one of the last people that you expected to hear from on this one, but here goes:
It drives (drove) me crazy when the "worship music" time becomes, in essence, a concert. This is more and more common with the contemporary services and young adult/college events that are popping up all over.
I love loud music, but it really strikes me as ridiculous when a "worship leader" yaps about how we should all be "praising the Lord" with the upcoming song - then they play it so loud it drowns out any possible audience participation. Then they have the gall to put the words on a screen, as if anybody could hear the group singing!
Now I love loud music as much as the next guy, but don't ask me to stand and sing along when you're basically just putting on a concert.
Rant over.
I love Bob Kaughlin. I have had the privilege of hearing him speak and lead worship several times, and he is so unassuming and humble. I believe it is his precious and beautiful relationship with Jesus that allows him to write such meaningful songs.
Have you heard about the Red Mountain Music project? I'm sure you have , but just in case...you'd be very interested...http://www.redmountainchurch.org/rmm/...also, i think it's important to make the emphasis on the words and meanings of songs rather than the tune, rhythym, or year the song was written...i was laughing as i read this, anita, this coming from the former worship leader of good stuf! haha...you make a very good point, though...so important not to get caught up in the emotional aspect (that was so prevalent in our earlier years)
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